Worsening flare, imuran isn't helping (PLEASE HELP)

I have had UC since 2009 (I was 16), and I am currently in my third flare up. Last August my doctor put me on 150 mg of imuran. I am also taking four 1.2 GM tablets of lialda. My flare is mild compared to my past flares, but it seems that my symptoms are contuing to become worse. I have to run to the bathroom 6-10 times a day, and I always have blood and mucus. My doctor tried to combat these worsening symptoms by upping my imuran by 50 mg, but it's not helping. I have lost 5 lbs in the past 3 weeks. I am also struggling to make it through my lectures in my college courses, and I don't know what to do. I thought that imuran was normally supposed to keep patients in remission for year. Does this mean that imuran isn't for me? What other options do I have left? I appreciate all feedback.

Have you had the test to see whether you're in the therapeutic range for Imuran? If you're already in the ideal range, I am not sure that increasing the dose would help too much. Have you considered an antibiotic or diet change? After imuran, some try Remicade, Humira, LDN, Diet, FT, probiotics... There is a post on the top of the forum main page called UC resources, in there, there is a list of alternative and mainstream medical options. Please take a look, you may find it useful. I think for starters, you should probably speak to your GI about trying a different 5ASA. You could also try adding rectal meds - mesalamine or steriod.

Sac627, I don't think there is anything you are doing wrong. As by definition this disease goes through periods of calm (remission) and active periods (flares) and nothing will stop that. No medication, diet modification, or supplement is going to change that simple fact of this disease. Even the best stuff only prolongs the next inevitable flare up.

That said it most certainly isn't hopeless, listen to your body and avoid things that bother you. Lower your stress levels the best you can (as stress can make symptoms worse). Try to be more consistent with your meds. Try to identify problem foods and avoid them when possible.

Garylouisville does have a point on the 5ASA's. There are a number of different Meslamine-based medications both with brand names and in generic form. They all do release through different methods (delayed release at different PH-levels) and at different points in your intestine. Lialda is certainly convenient on the once a day thing, but you might want to ask for another kind if it works better for you...